Alaska seeks to woo Colorado gun company

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska is making its pitch to woo a Colorado company that has threatened to leave that state over new restrictions on firearms.

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper last week signed bills that require background checks for private and online gun sales and ban ammunition magazines that hold more than 15 rounds. Magpul Industries, which manufactures firearms accessories and ammunition magazines, said on its Facebook page that it would have "no choice" but to leave if the magazine bill was signed, causing an opening for states eager to prove they're more gun-friendly, like Alaska.

Facebook pages have popped up — some, before the Colorado bills were even signed — encouraging Magpul to settle in places like Alabama, West Virginia or Texas. Alaska state Rep. Tammie Wilson's staff created a Facebook page, too, called "Magpul Industries - Alaska Wants You."

Jeremy McGowan, of Buckhannon, W.Va., said he started his Facebook page, "Bring Magpul to West Virginia," with "very little hope" of actually attracting Magpul. But he said he wanted at the very least to draw attention to the issues raised in Colorado and try to prevent something similar from happening in West Virginia.